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C. W. SMITH, Publisher. 


1 ATWOOD, - INDIANA. 

1896. : 




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C. W. SMITH, Publisher. 

ATWOOD. - INDIANA. 
1896. 






"Copyright. 1896, l^y John H. Shilling." ^/J 




May my hands, my tongue, my pen, 

Labor for my fellowmen; 
'May my life forever be, 

Consecrated, Lord, to thee.' 

— John H. Shilling. 



PREFACE. 



Rev. John H. Shilling, Ph. B. was born \ 

in Palestine, Indiana, Jan. 14th, 1872. His tar- ' 

ly life was spent on the farm and in the public \ 

schools. He entered the Methodist ministry 7 

in 1892. He afterward attended North Man- '> 

Chester College and Taylor University, and grad- < 

uated from the Ph. B. course of the University ^ 

in 1 895, and has since been engaged in.educaton- \ 

al work in the South, being both a teacher and 
ai student in Gammon Theological Seminary in ', 

Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Publisher takes great pleasure in pre- \ 

senting this collection of poems to the public be- 
cause he believes that they express, to a great 
extent, the deep thought, the earnest spirit, and ; 

the I'eligious sentiment of the Author. 

To all who appreciate the beautiful in na- 
ture, and poem, and song, this little book is sent 
forth. 

THE PUBLISHER. 




Dedicated to — 



Ik Devotion- Earnest and True. 

In FRiENr>SHiP- Faithful and Sincere. 

In Life- Noble and Consecrated. 



f 

7. 
7 



NIGHT. 



The golden sun sank down to rest, 

Behind the clouds that decked the west; 

While shadows gathered overhead, 
More softly than the dew is shed. 

I watched the twilight colors fade. 
As thickly gathered evening's shade; 

And over all the earth so bright. 

Was spread the mantle of the night. 

But in the firmament above. 

The Lord displayed his power and love; 
The glittering stars, like gems of light. 

With splendor, decked the vaulted height. 

Pictures sublime the evening skies. 
Spread out before my wondering eyes; 

Directing to the Eternal Force, 

'That guides the planets, in their course.' 

TRIAL 

Weep not poor wanderer, though th}^ path 
Be sad, like that which Jesus trod; 
Though many trials cloud thy way. 
The path of trial leads to God. 



Poems ev J. H. Shim. inc.. 



"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he slirll 
sustain thee." — Psalms. 



"Cast thy burden on the Saviour" 

Ye who are oppressed by care, 
He will tenderly relieve 3'ou 

If you go to him in prayer. 
He who labored for the weary 

And was oft by sin opprest; 
Bids you cast all care upon him, 

He will give you precious rest. 

"Cast thy burden on the Saviour" 

Ye who drink from sorrows cup, 
Jesus wept, he knows yoiiv trouble, 

He will help to bear you up. 
He will share your load of sorrow 

Sad and bitter though it be; 
Hear his pleading voice entreat j^ou, 

"Cast thy burden upon me." 

"Cast thy burden on the Saviour" 

Ye who bear a load of guilt, 
Jesus died that he might save you 

On the cross his blood was spilt. 
Why then longer keep the burden 

Of thy sins, so vast, so great, 
Cast it all'upon the Saviour 

He will bear its heavy weight. 

"Cast thy burden on the Saviour" 

All ye weary hear the word, 
Sounding forth the invitation, 

"Cast thy burden on the Lord." 
Then no longer keep your burdens, 

Look to Jesus and be blest. 
Only cast your all upon him 

He will give you precious rest. 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



'ROCK OF AGES." 



"Rock of Ages cleft for me," 

Is the earnest christian's prayer; 
"Let me hide myself in thee," 

When opprest by toil and care, 
For no other place I know, 

Where securely I can rest; 
But when to the Rock I go, 

Then my weary soul is blest. 

"Rock of Ages cleft for me," 

Is the sinners plea at last; 
"Let me hide myself in thee," 

Refuge from sins stormy blast, 
I have wandered long in sin, 

Thou alone cans't make me free; 
Saviour, thou wilt take me in, 

T will hide myself in thee.' 



"Remember now thy Creator in the days of 
tliy youth." — Eccles. 

"Remember thy Creator" 
While in thy youthful days; 

Before temptations lead thee. 
Aside in sinful ways. 

Be gentle and kind hearted, 

Affectionate and true; 
And earl}- seek the Saviour, 

Who gave his life for you. 

He'll keep you all your life time, 

From every evil way; 
And when this life is over, 

You'll live in endless day. 



Poems ev J. H. Shilling. 



I STOOD BY A STREAM. 



I stood by a stream, 'neath the moonlights' 
paie gleam, 
And its waters rushed by at my feet; 
My mem'ry was borne, back to childhood's 
glad morn, 
When I wandered to this same retreat. 

I thought how each day the stream sped on 
its way, 
It had borne on its wild, restless, tide. 
Waving billows that ne'er, there again should 
appear 
But would sink in the sea, deep, and wid«:- 

Like one standing, I seem, on the bank of 
life's stream. 
And its waters pass silently by; 
I think of past years, of my hopes and my 
fears, 
When I ventured life's voyage to tr3\ 

The years have f^ed past, and the stream has 
run fast. 
On its way to eternity's shore: 
In its current so strong, it has taken 
along. 
Many. friends I shall see here no more. 

Oh how often I think as I stand on its 
brink, 
And its dark, restless, waters I see; 
That life's stream soon will bear, me from 
sorrow and care 
To the peace of Eternity's sea. 



"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou 
shait find it after many days." — Eccles. 



"Cast thy bread upon the waters," 

Thou shalt find it all again; 
Though no harvest yet appeareth, 

Work for God is not in vain. 
Though thy toil is given in weakness, 

Though it meet the world's cold frown; 
It may bring some soul to Jesus, 

It may win for thee a crown. 

"Cast thy bread upon the waters," 

Sow thy seed by day and night; 
For thou knowest not the evil, 

On the earth that it may right. 
Though thou sowest not in gladness, 

But in sorrow and in fear; 
Yet the fruits of earnest labor. 

At the reaping shall appear. 

"Cast thy bread upon the waters" 

Deeds of kindness, words of love; 
They can never, never, perish, 

They are treasured up above. 
So then labor on, unwearied. 

In the vineyard here below; 
And the Master soon will gather, 

Precious sheaves from what you sow. 

LIFE. 

A flower blooms, a sunset dawns. 
The flower fades, the sun sinks low; 

A life begins, but soon it ends, 

And thus earth's children come and go. 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



'PEACE BE STILL." Jesus. 



As they rocked upon the billows, 
And the ship began to fill; 

The disciples called the Master, 
And he whispered ''Peace be still" 
"Peace be still." 

Soon the troubled waves were quiet. 
Yielding to the Saviour's will; 

Even winds and seas obeyed him, 
As he whispered "Peace be still" 
"Peace be still." 

Once my soul in sin was sinking. 
As I sailed upon life's sea; 

Then I called upon the Master, 
And he sweetly spoke to me. 
"Peace be still." 

Then I found the Saviour precious, 
And I trusted in his word; 

Then my troubled soul was quiet, 
When his gentle voice I heard. 
"Peace be still." 

Often still upon life's journey. 
Threatening storms of sin I see; 

But I call upon my Saviour, 
And he sweetly speaks to me, 
"Peace be still." 



m GBOSS AND THE WAY. 

The cross is heavy if alone we bear it. 
The way is narrow if we go in pride; 

The burden's light if Jesus help us bear it, 
The way is pleasant, if he is our guide. 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



MARCHING TO GLORY. 

Tune — Marching through Georgia. 

Listen to the gospel as we sound it forth 

in song- 
Sound the name of Jesus as a cure for every 

Avrong- 
Sound it with a spirit that will bring the world 

along, 
While we are marching to glory. 

CHORUS. 

Come home today! From sin and bondage flee! 
Come home today! For Christ will make you free! 
Join the ransomed army in a song of jubilee, 
While we are marching to glory. 

'Tis the old, old, story of the cross of Christ 

our king- 
'Tis the message of God's love to all the world 

Vve bring- 
'Tis the tidings of salvation, ever we will sing. 
While V, e are marching to glory. 

May the iiainc of Christ be heard, wherever 

man is found- 
May the blessed gospel reign where sin and 

wrong abound- 
North and South and East and West and all 

the world around. 
While we are marching to glory. 

I CANNOT KNOW. 

I cannot know life's corning years; 

But this I ever knov. ; 
I trust in God, and he appears. 
And quiets all my doubts and fears. 

While journeying here below. 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



"Weeping iiiciy endure for a night, but joy 
cometh in the morning." 

How true to hfe! For upon all 

Our brightest days some night must fall; 
Each day our doubt and care and strife, 

Cast shadows o'er the hills of life. 

Dark sin her gloomy shadow casts, 
O'er all earth's scenes so fair; 

Our hopes before her stormy blasts, 
Fall shattered, everywhere. 

Joy and peace do not appear, 
Our benighted souls to cheer; 

Lowhung clouds obscure the light, 
And we journey in the night. 

Weak and wavering, faltering, blind, 

Pilgrim feet so apt to stray; 
Oh! Thou heavenl}' parent, kind, 

Lead us in the narrow wa}-. 

Help us ever thee to trust. 

Though the shadows dark appall; 

Thou art ever good and just, 
And wilt guide us safe through all. 

Though for toil seems no reward, 
Though our tears, unheeded, fall; 

Though our tasks seem overhard. 
Thou, in heaven, know'st it ail. 

What though sorrow now may sadden. 
With her gloomy night of pain; 

Greater joy our hearts will gladden, 
When the light appears again. 

Only a little while below, 

We'll live in sorrow's night; 
Eternal sunshine soon we know 

Will make our darkness, light. 



Oh! Let me see the Morning Star, 
Of Bethlehem, so bright; 

And may its radiance from afar, 
IHuminate my night. 

Be near me every day and hour, 
A havfn in which to hide; 

Keep me by thy protecting power, 
My constant, faithful, guide. 

Go with me till each cloud is past. 
Each glooni}^ night is o'er; 

And in eternal day at last, 
I'll dwell forevermore. 



-msES m a waTBRuij.k 



Oh pure, white, flower of the waves 
With petals bright and fair! 

There's not a color tints thy leaves, 
But God painted it there. 

When we behold thy pure, white face, 

It steals away our care; 
We almost fancy thou dost breathe. 

For us a silent prayer. 

Oh there are many precious truths. 
That we may learn from thee! 

Thy petals white, thy smiling face, 
Teach love and purity. 

Oh that my life might be kept pure, 
As thee, so fair and bright! 

Oh that m}' soul might ever be, 
Kept free from sin's dark blight! 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



'When I consider the heavens'-Psahiis. 



I viewed the western sky at night, 
In wondrous beauty all arrayed; 

The picture was a heavenly one, 
Before my raptured eyes portrayed. 

More glorious than the works of art. 
Appeared to my delighted eyes; 

The wondrous panorama drawn, 
By the Great Artist of the skies. 

The goddess of the silver bow, 

The moon, the royal queen of night, 

Arose and shed upon the earth. 
Her welcome beams of golden light. 

Each orb kept on its trackless way. 
Without confusion or discord! 

How truly one of old could say, 
'The heavens declare thy glory. Lord!' 

Thy goodness, Lord, is seen in all 
The glittering stars that rule above; 

From ever}' orb that shines and "moves; 
W^e learn a lesson of thy love. 

Oh thou who spreadest out the heavens 
And guidost the planets in their way! 
Wilt also guide earth's wanderers, 
In paths of safety day by day! 

And thou who seest the worlds on high. 
Let all thy gloomy doubts disperse; 
Believe in God who rules above, 
The maker of the universe. 

And thou that seest the shining stars, 
Let not their lesson suffer loss! ■ 

Direct thine eyes to heaven's light, 
The shining beacon of the cross! 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



GAMMON HALL. 

In the shadow of the forest, in a bright and 

sunny land, 
Where the towering oak and pine trees in their 

verdant beauty stand, 
Where in soHtude the spirit of devotion 

seems to fall; 
Stands a house for God erected, it is grand 

old Gammon hall. 
Not alone those walls of splendor, nor the 

forests waving high, 
Not alone those sacred chapels, nor the 

beauteous sunlit sky, 
In. the march of time in future, our mem'ries 

will recall; 
But we'll think of all the lessons we have 

learned in Gammon Hall. 
Other memories more pleasant than the forest 

and the shade, 
Mem'ries of familiar faces of the many 

friends we made; 
Faces beaming like the sunshine, voices 

breaking forth in song; 
Lives that by their joy and gladness, helped 

to make our own lives strong 
Lives about us grand and noble, full of power 

from above, 
Faces marked by care and labor, in their 

tireless work of love. 
Hearts in touch with God and nature, and the 

spirit's hidden fire; 
Helped to make our own lives better, and our 

souls w'ere lifted higher. 
I Oh, those holy ties of friendship, which we 

formed so true and sweet! 
\ May we never, never, break them, may we 

keep them all complete! 
\ Oh, the many useful lessons, may we ever keep 

I " them all! 

I Lessons of true life and manhood, which we 

j learned at Gammon Hall! 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



When the voice of duty calls us, from those 

sacred halls to part, 
Still may friendship's chain, unbroken, bind 

each brother heart to heart. 
And in distant fields of labor, precious 

mem'ries we'll recall; 
Mem'ries of the happy seasons, we have spent 

in Gammon Hall. 

"Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men." 



A heavenly host that blessed night, 
Announced the Saviour's birth; 

A radiance of celestial light. 
Lit up the darkened earth. 

The Son of God in mercy came, 

Down from his home above; 
To bear the cross, endure the shame. 

That all might know his love. 

He left a mansion in the skies, 

And to a manger came; 
That men low down in sin might rise, 

And glorify his name. 

He came to rescue from the fall. 

From bondage to release; 
He offered light and life to all, 

And joy and hope and peace. 

"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men," 

Rang out o'er Judah's plain; 
'Twas sung alone by angels then, 

But now men join the strain. 

Oh, let these precious words be sung, 

Wherever man is found; 
And may each kindred, tribe, and tongue. 

Repeat the joyful sound. 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 13 \ 

> 

^ 

Hymn for Africa. Tune "The Call for Reapers. ' 

Far across the rolling waters, 

Is a land with bounties stored; 
But its many sons and daughters, 

Do not know of Christ, the Lord. 

Chorus-Lord above, we pray for lab'rers! 
Unto thee for help we call; 
Send abroad thy chosen servants, 
To proclaim thy word to all. 

Send the blessed gospel story. 

Over Africs' sunny plains; 
May the heathen know thy glory. 

In that land where darkness reigns. 

Hear, oh hear, thou, christian soldier! 

Africs' call from o'er the sea; 
Answer thou the blessed Master, 

"Here am I, send me, send me." 



There's music in streamlet. 

That murmurs on its way; 
There's music when the songbird. 

Pours out its joyful lay. 
There's music in the sighing. 

Of winds among the trees; 
There's music in the sunset, 

That whispers rest and peace. 
There's music in the heavens- 

The stars sing songs of joy; 
There's music when God's praises, 

The tongues of men employ. 
But ah, the grandest music. 

To men and angels given; 
It is the name of Jesus- 

The sweetest song of heaven. 



14 Poems by J. H. Shilling. 

"Behold, I come quickl3^" Jesus. 

Only a little while to wait, 
The time will not be long; 

'Till I shall quit the scenes of earth, 
And join the ransomed throng. 

Only a little while to toil, 

A little while to pray; 
And then in peace and rest above, 

I'll spend an endless day. . 

Only a little while to sing, 

On earth with stammering tongue. 

Until at home with Christ, my King, 
I'll sing redemption's song. 

There's beauty in the glittering stars. 
That shine so bright, on high; 

There's beauty in the summer cloud. 
That floats across the sky. 

There's beauty in the winding streams, 

That to the ocean run; 
There's beauty in the morning dew. 

That sparkles in the sun. 

There's beauty in the mountain peak, 

That towers in the air; 
There's beauty in the blooming flower, 

That opens, bright and fair. 

There's beauty in the human form, 
In God's own image made; 

How grand, how wonderful, is man! 
How gloriously arrayed! 

But a gem that's fairer still than these, 

Is character, so bright! 
And he alone is beautiful, 

Whose life is true and right. 



Poems bv J. H. Shilling. 15 

I CAN TRUST. 

I cannot know, Avith my weak, human sight, 
Why clouds of gloom arise, why darkness 

veils my eyes- 
Yet know that I shall triumph in the right, 
If I but t!l:St. 

I know not why mv path sometimes should be, 
So hedged with dark despair, temptations 

to ensnare- 
But know that Jesus said, "Come, follow me," 

"And in me trust." 

And when I go astray, walking alone. 
If sunless hours are mine, oh, may I not repine- 
But looking through the clouds to Jesus' throne, 
Still firml}' trust. 

What though the cloudy, mystic, veil, 
Hides from my feeble sight, the future and 

the light- 
I know that truth and justice shall prevail. 

And still I trust. 

When sorrow stirs the fount of prayer and tears, 
I'll leave in God's strong hand, all I can't 

understand- 
And calmly wait, resigned, for better years, 

And humbly trust. 

LITTLE THINGS. 

Each little dead of kindness done, 
Though it may small appear; 

Will help to bless some weary one, 
And fill some heart with cheer. 

Each little, nameless, act of love, 

Each burden that we bear; 
Will help to lift some soul above, 

Its heavy load of care. 



i6 Poems by J. H. Shilling. 

Each little word is good seed sown, 
Which in some heart will grow; 

And jdeld a harvest that alone, 
Eternity can show. 

Then let us do the little things, 
While others stand and wait; 

For every blessing each deed brings, 
Proves all good deeds are great. 



My hands are weary with the toils of life, 

My soul by cares opprest; 
And while I see earth's sin and strife; 

I cannot rest. 

My feet are weary with the journey, long; 

And I am sore distrest; 
But while the earth is full of wrong, 

I cannot rest. 

My heart is weary with its doubts and fears, 

I know not what is best; 
But when no Guiding Hand appears, 

I cannot rest. 

M}' life is wear}' with affliction's rod 

I labor on unblest; 
But while the w^orld's away from God, 

I cannot rest. 

No rest on earth. But soon life's sun 
Shall sink behind the west; 

And when life's endless morn's begun, 
Then I shall rest. 



Poems p.v J. H. Shilling. 17 



'BROKEN, BUT NOT OFF," 



In the great Negro building, where a newborn 

race has shown, 
That it is able to do much the world has 

nerer known; 
The figure of a Negro stands, his eyes are 

raised aloft; 
A chain is hanging from his arm, 'tis, "Brok ,n, 
bui not off. " 

Methinks if those dumb lips could speak, 

the3''d tell of pain and tears; 
Tell how those heavy chains were borne, t^ o 

hundred long, long, ^ errs; 
How human tics Mere torn apart, l'ov\ n < n 

were bought and sold, 
When cruel hearts were hardened by the 
sordid love of gold. 

Methinks they'd tell of ihat dread strife, whtji 

freedom's sons were slain. 
That truth and liberty and love, o'er all the 

Vvorld might reign, 
That in this land men might be free from 

slavery's heavy 3'oke- 
But still the chains are hanging fast, not off, 

they're only broke. 

For slaverv like a serpent, vile, its poison had 

infused, 
Into the hearts and minds of men, who 

fellow- men misused; 
And still its anger is aflame, it lingers yet 

to-day; 
The 3-oung are taught to hate the race, 
that once in bondage lay. 



i8 Poems bv J. H. Shilling. 

Oh! Could tliat silent tongue but speak, t'would 

tell the load of care, 
A race oppressed b}' prejudice and enmity 

must bear! 
How mind that makes the body rich, how 

speech that makes it free, 
Are fettered b}' the unjust laws of heartless 

sovereignty. 
When Lincoln spoke to free a race, his heart 

was full of love, 
It seemed as if an angel voice had spoken 
^ from above; 

J A race so long enchained, arose, obedient 

I to his call, 

5 But found that Prejudice and Hate had built 

I a hindering wall. 

^ Oh! Freedom, if thou art a god, as shining 

i as the sun, 

s How can such deeds of cruelt}' in thy fair name 

< be done? 

I Oh v.iiy should helpless innocence a cross of 

; suffering bear! 

l- Shall we not hear thy holy voice ring out 

; upon the air? 

\ Shall men be trodden to the earth, by others 

'< overcome, 

I Then partial justice hold the scales, and be 

I both deaf and dumb? 

I Shall vain man's pride of caste, or blood, hold 

5 others in disgrace, 

I Whose only crime, he judges, is, the color 

I of their race? 

5 Why were those millions brought to life, 

>, if birih but leads to doom? 

i I f sorrow is their destined end, why did earth 

; Rive them room ? 

:> Why did earth's Liberator die for all the 

i imprisoned race? 

< If he did not love all the world, wh}' offer 
': all his grace? 



Poems uv J. H. Shilling. 19 



j Who knows how many a giant mind, rules 

> 'ntalh a colored brow? 

1 Wlio kiiOv.s how man}' noble souls are living 

<; pure lives now? 

;- Will not llu' God ^^ho rules above, who knows 

^ the 1:( Eiis of all, 

J Who made -ail nations of one blood, relieve 

\ ci pi( ssicn's call? 

i Oh Power above that pities us! Oh righteous 

Lord and King! 

I Let m.ercy touch the hearts of men, and great 
I deliverance bring! 

\ Oh let ti;e po-wers of evil fall, let all oppression 
I cease! 

I And ma}' thy love reign over all, and still 
the world to peace. 



"711 



niEY CBUCIFIEQ HIM." Luke. 



Behold the Son of God ascend 

To rugged Calvary; 
See cruel men their power lend, 
To crucify earth's dearest friend, 

On Calvary! 

Oh awful scene, oh can it be, 

He died on Calvary! 
Ah yes. he died for you and me, 
He died to set the nations free, 
On Calvary. 

THE RESURREGTiOfl. 

The Saviour triumphed over death, 
He rose our Lord and King; 

"O, grave where is thy victory, 
O, death where is thy sting!" 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



The old Cottage is lonely. 



Oh now the old cottage is lonely, 
The children have all gone away! 

With father and mother alone there, 
How sad is the old home to-day! 

Long ago with the children about them, 
Their hearts were made happy and glad; 

But now in old age, all forsaken. 
Their faces are careworn and sad. 

When brothers and sisters departed, 
To try the wide world and its strife; 

Dear father and mother were left there. 
Alone in the evening of life. 

How often they thought of each loved one, 
How often for them did they pray; 

That God in his mercy would bless them, 
And lead them and keep them each day. 

Oh father and mother! No matter 

How far o'er the wide world they roam; 

The children can never forget you, 
Nor never for'get the old home. 

When life's evening shadows are falling. 
And the end of the journey is near; 

The children will ask God to bless you, 
And give you sweet comfort and cheer. 

And when life's journey is ended, 
If none have rejected Christ's love, 

The children, dear parents, will meet you 
In happy reunion above. 



I Poems 1!Y J. H. Shilling. 



THE DEW. 



The shadows of evening gathered, 
O'er valley and mountain and hill; 

The stars up in heaven reflected, 

Their light o'er the landscape so still. 

The cities were hushed in the valle3^s, 
The birds ceased their songs of delight; 

And the dew from the darkness descended, 
As softly as shadows of night. 

Unwearied, the dew-spirit labored, 

While shadows enshrouded the world; 

And forests and meadows and flowers. 
With glittering gems were empearled. 

And when the bright sun rose in splendor, 

The dew drops, like crystals of light; 
/ s brilliant as rubies and diamonds. 
Reflected the sun-beams, so bright. 

But while we admired the brightness. 
Of the beautiful, glittering, dew; 

.' way on the wings of the morning, 
To its home in the heaven's it flew. 



How short, like man's life, is its mission! 
It has but few moments to stay, 
n the heat of the glittering sunlight, 
It rises and passes away. 

Oh emblem of loves true devotion, 

Thou knowest no friend and no foe; 
Eut kissest alike all the flowers, 
\ The fairest and humblest that grow! 

\ Oh may we like thee be unselfish. 

And bless men wherever we go; 
I Oh may we reflect heavens brightness, 

i Along life's dark path-way below. 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



^€HllDREE> 



Fair as some flower that opens, 
So beautiful and bright; 

Fair as some star that rises, 
To drive away the night. 

Oh nothing is so gentle, 

So innocent and mild! 
Oh nothing is so tender, 

So lovely, as a child. 

They know not of life's sorrows. 
They know not of its care; 

And so they scatter sunshine, 
About them every- where. 

Oh they are little preachers. 

With hearts that know no fear; 

With eyes so bright and hopeful, 
They fill our lives with cheer. 

Their faces ever beaming, 

With sunshine from above; 

Their lives so kind and gentle; 
They teach us how to love. 

Their lives are free and happv, 
Like the glad days of Spring; 

But ah, who knows the sorrow. 
The coming 3'ears ma}' bring! 

Their thoughts are pure and holv, 
They love and trust us all; 

But evil soon misleads them. 
And into sin they fall. 

Oh may we ever labor. 

To keep them in the wa}'! 

Oh may their footsteps never. 
Wander, in sin astray. 



Poems by J. H. Shilling. 23 

For thorny is sin's path-way, 

And many cares annoy; 
But pleasant is the highway, 

That leads to peace and joy. 

Oh may we ever teach them, 
That Jesus loves them all! 

Oh may they early trust him, 
And heed his loving call. 

"COME UNTO ME." j^sus. 

Jesus m}' Saviour is calling to-day, 
Calling tlic v^eary, the v;eak, and opprest; 
'T am the truth, and the life, and the way," 
"Come unto me, I will give you sweet reet. " 

CHORUS. 

Hear him now calling! Pleading with thee! 
Tenderly calling! "Come unto me." 

Jesus my Saviour is pleading to-day. 
Pleading with 3'Ou who by sin are distrest; 
Gently he calls to the wanderer, astray, 
'■'Come unto me, I will give you sweet rest." 

fesus my Saviour is waiting to-day. 
Waiting for you to return and be blest; 
Still he is calling though long you delay, 
"Come unto me, I will give you sweet rest." 

"If a man die, shall he live again?" -Job. 

The brightest sun must set. 

The fairest flower must fade. 

The noblest of earth's sons must fall, 
And in the dust be laid. 

Our life at best is short, 

And full of doubt and gloom; 

'Tis but a weary pilgrimage, 
"A journey to the tomb." 



24 Poems by J. H. Shilling. 

But when we fall in death, 

And cease from earthly strifs; 
The gates of death but lead unto, 
The land of endless life. 

Yes we shall live again, 

In happiness or woe; 
And which will be our destiny, 

Our actions here will show. 

For God has promised us. 

If we accept his love; 
That we shall live again with him, 

In endless peace above. 

But if we yield our lives, 

To unbelief and sin; 
When we shall quit this earthly strife, 

Our sorrows but begin. 

Then let us live each day. 

As we would live at last; 

For God will judge us in the end, 
By every deed that's past. 

WANDERINGS. 

Why my soul art thou cast down? 

Why dost thou not hope hi God? 
Thou hast turned aside in sin, 

Thou hast felt its chastening rod. 

Often from the way of life. 

In my sinfulness, I stray; 
Often I must feel the rod. 

When I wander from the way. 

Oh that I might ever keep. 

Near my S aviour's wounded side. 

In his presence I would live. 
In his love I would abide. 



Poems bv J. H. Shilling. 25 

THE OLD HARP. 



I remember a story I heard long ago, 

A legend of old, Jewish, lore; 
It teaches a beautiful lesson, I know, 

And so I repeat it once more. 

A castle had fallen in ruins, and near 

In the dust, an old broken harp lay; 

Tho' once its sweet music was pleasant to hear. 
Now no one upon it could play. 

Like the harps of God's people, by Babylon's 

stream, 
When on willows they hung them, to mourn. 
Its beautiful echoes were still as a dreem, 

And its strings were all broken and torn. 

But scon a great 1 armonist came to the place. 

And took fhe old harp in his care; 
He mended the strings, then came stealing apace. 

Sweet music's glad strains on th ^ air. 

How like that old harp, I have thought 
is man's heart, 

All broken and bruised by the fall! 
The heart that was led from the Master to part, 

No longer responds to his call. 

How like that old harp, too, is fallen man's life! 
Where concord and peace might have been, 
There's naught but confusion and jangling 
and strife, 
And all is discordant in sin. 

How like that great harmonist, too, is our Lord. 

When to him our offering we bring! 
He takes from our nature each jarring discord. 

And tunes us his praises to sing.^ 



26 Poems by J. H. Shilling. 



A SUMMER CLOUD. 



A cloud was floating 

Across the sky, 
It seemed a mountain 

Rising on high. 

First cahii and peaceful 

It moved along, 
Then tossed like billows 

On currents strong. 

The winds its chariots 

Its home the air, 
O'er fields celestial 

'Twas borne so fair. 

It gathered waters 
From lakes and seas, 

And bore them upward 
On gentle breeze. 

'Twas guided onward 
By unseen hands. 

And showered blessings 
On thirsty lands. 

What wondrous power. 
Oh cloud, so fair! 

Marked out thy pathway 
Across the air. 

Will not the Power 
That rules above, 

Direct earth's wand'rers 
In paths of love? 

Yes he who causes 

The rain to fall, 
Will guide our foot-steps 

And bless us all. 



Poems hv J. H. Shilling. 27 | 



Lines to the Evening Star. 

Oh glittering gem of beauty, 

So glorious and bright! 
Shine on in all thy splendor. 

And cheer the gloomy night. 

Thou seemest like an altar, 
In heaven's temple, fair; 

Where angels bow to worship, 

In grateful praise and prayer. 

Oh star thou art a beacon, 

Of joy and hope and light, 

Like that fair star of Jacob; 

Which rose o'er sin's dark night. 

Oh star, thou art an emblem, 
Of worship and of love; 

Thou teachest men devotion, 
To God who rules above. 

How tireless thou art shining, 

I'rom night till morning dawn! 

What lessons thou art teaching, 
Oh, evening star shine on! 

And as we see thee shining. 

With light almost Divine; 

Oh may our lives grow brighter. 
And with more glory shine! 



finis. 



> 
1 

1 


INDEX. 






TITLE. 


PAGE. 




A Summer cloud. 


26 




Beauty. 


14 




"Behold, I come quickly." 


14 




"Broken, but not off." 


17 




"Cast thy bread upon the waters." 


5 




"Cast thy burden upon the Lord." 


2 




Children. 


22 




"Come unto me." 


23 




Gammon Hall. 


II 




Hymn for Africa. 


13 




I cannot rest. 


16 


> 


I cannot know. 


7 


! 


I can trust. 


15 




"If a man die, shall he live again ?" 


23 


! 


I stood by a stream. 


4 


i 


Life. 


5 




Lines to a waterlih'. 


9 


1 


Lines to the Evening Star. 


27 


> 
> 


Little things. 


15 


> 


Marching to Glory. 


/ 


i 


Music. 


13 


> 


Night. 


I 




"Peace be still. " 


6 


i 


"Peace on earth. 


12 


s 


"Remember now thy Creator." 


3 




"Rock of Ages." 


3 




The Cross and the Way. 


6 




The Dew. 


21 




The old cottage is lonely. 


20 




The old harp. 


25 




The Resurrection. 


19 




"They Crucified him." 


19 




Trial 


I 




Wanderings. 


24 




"Weeping may endure for a night." 


8 


1 


"When I consider the heavens." 


10 



PRICES. 



Bound in Paper. . . . . $o.io 

Bound in Cardboard. . . . . $o. 15 

fi@°°A copy of this book will be sent to 
any address, post paid, upon receipt of price. 

Address 

C. W.'Smith, 

Atwood, Indiana. 

OR 

John H. Shilling, 

Mentone, Indiana. 



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